2:19pm Tuesday 10th April 2012
BBC Newsreader Nicholas Owen found himself making the news when he opened the new Friends shop at East Surrey Hospital in Redhill.
The broadcaster, who lives in Reigate, performed the opening honours at the new shop at the east entrance of the hospital.
Nicholas knows the hospital well and is a long-term supporter of it.
The new shop is part of the improvement plans at the East Surrey and is bigger and sells and serves a wider range of products, drinks and snacks.
In between serving teas and coffees to customers, Nicholas said: “I have had many visits to East Surrey Hospital over the years and have always had terrific treatment here.”
Ian Mackenzie, director of information and facilities, said: “We are committed to improving our site so that we can continue to provide a first class service to our local community.
“The refurbished shop will support the excellent work that Friends do here at East Surrey Hospital in a much better environment for patients, visitors and staff.”
Richard Burford, chairman of the Friends of East Surrey Hospital, said: “I am delighted that the new shop is now open.
“Our 150 dedicated volunteers who run the shop provide a really good service and I am very grateful for their enthusiasm and efforts.”
Friends is looking for people who can spare a few hours a week to volunteer in the new shop.
People would be asked to carry out general shop tasks such as serving tea, coffee and snacks, operating the till, dealing with customers and replenishing stock.
Full training will be given.
Money raised in the shop goes towards improving the hospital environment, buying specialist equipment and providing training for staff which is over and above what the Trust is able to afford from NHS funds.
For more information about becoming a volunteer, contact Jackie Redman on 01737 244726.
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